The 2024 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) delivered multiple historic moments, from Lizelle Lee’s record-breaking century to teenager Lucy Hamilton’s stunning five-wicket haul and Caoimhe Bray’s memorable debut. Topping it all was the Melbourne Renegades’ maiden title triumph, with Hayley Matthews as the key architect, delivering yet another all-round masterclass. Scroll down to watch her match-defining innings.
After being put in to bat by Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen, Melbourne Renegades openers Hayley Matthews and Courtney Webb walked out to the middle. The team stumbled early, reduced to 23/3, but Matthews held her ground to steady the innings. She was joined by Georgia Wareham in a crucial 34-ball, 41-run partnership that helped regain momentum.
Following Wareham’s dismissal, Matthews was joined by Naomi Stalenberg, and together they added a vital 45 runs off 32 balls. Matthews brought up her half-century off 47 balls, anchoring the innings even as wickets fell around her.
She shifted gears towards the end before being dismissed in the final over for a brilliant 69 off 61 balls—the highest individual score in a WBBL Final. Her knock, including 8 boundaries, powered the Renegades to a competitive total of 141/9.
In a rain-curtailed Final, Jess Jonassen fought valiantly with an unbeaten 44*, chasing a revised target of 98. However, Matthews once again rose to the occasion, leading the Renegades’ bowling attack with figures of 2/24 in the second innings. Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award, sealing the Melbourne Renegades’ maiden WBBL title triumph.
Notably, Hayley Matthews’ 37-ball 61* in the Renegades’ final league game against the Sydney Thunder secured their table-topping finish, earning them a direct berth in the Final. Matthews was a standout performer throughout the season, amassing 324 runs at an impressive average of 40.50 and a strike rate of 130.64 across 10 outings, while also contributing with the ball, claiming 14 wickets.
Last season, Matthews experienced a challenging WBBL season following a hectic international, domestic, and franchise cricket schedule that left her fatigued. Despite this, she managed to contribute 255 runs from 14 outings and claimed 14 wickets. However, her batting form was below her usual standards, averaging just 19.61.
With a string of bilateral series ahead of the T20 World Cup and a quick turnaround into the WBBL, Matthews again had a busy lead-up this time around. However, opting to rest for the Renegades’ season opener—a calculated move—set her up for a rejuvenated and impactful season. Head coach Simon Helmot reflected on the decision, sharing, “She, like me, was terribly disappointed after last year.”
“I remember when she rang me, I was in New South Wales during the Spring Challenge, and she rang me to say she’s not going to be here for the first game… We let Hayley have that game off, and she’s repaid us in a lot of ways … the most important thing you can do is take responsibility, as she did in the last round game, and most importantly, the final. She’s a superstar.”
(Quote sourced from cricket.com.au)
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